Local libraries provide a range of facilities and support to help independent learners and jobseekers looking to find work and improve their employment skills. They also provide key information for new and existing businesses.
Business information
Libraries mean Business - inspiring business books recommended by the local business community and curated by librarians packed with practical ideas to help start-ups and small businesses thrive. You can view the business collection catalogue here.
Our online resource - complete business reference advisor - has 4,000 factsheets, market reports, contacts and sources of funding and support, plus hundreds of practical guides to starting up more than 350 types of business. It has all the information you need to turn your business idea into a reality.
Additional support is available from:
Digital support
Libraries provide access to IT and support access to digital information. They offer free Wi-Fi and computer access for emails, job searches, recording job search activity, writing CVs, applying for jobs and personal use too - extra free time for jobseekers on request. Printers and scanners are also available. Many libraries also have volunteer IT buddies. Contact your local library to see how they can support you.
Go Citizen
Go Citizen: An online study resource for candidates preparing for the Life in the UK test or British citizenship test.
Theory Test Pro
Theory Test Pro: A highly realistic online simulation of the UK's driving theory tests for all vehicle categories. It contains all the official test questions licensed from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency - the people who set the tests.
These are all useful for Job Seekers.
Further guidance
Our adult learning guidance and support team can help you in taking that first step back into learning or getting that all-important qualification to open doors to further learning or employment. Book a free 30-minute advice and guidance session via video or on the phone to discuss your situation. Contact us to book.
Carbon-neutral materials
Our libraries provide access to physical collections of climate-related materials, suitable for all age ranges. Through the extensive collection of online reference resources, you can engage with and research climate-related themes. See our library catalogue, for research articles, encyclopaedias, eBooks and eMagazines.